Factors Contributing To The Occurrence Of Commercial Sex Work Among Women: A Case Study Of Mavoko Sub-County.

Abstract

ABSTRACT The main objective of this study was to establish factors contributing to the occurrence of commercial sex workers in Mavoko sub-county. The general objective of the study was to identify the factors contributing to the occurrence of commercial sex work in Mavoko. The study had four specific objectives, namely, investigate factors contributing to commercial sex work among women in Mavoko sub-county, examine the lifestyle of commercial sex workers, determine challenges facing commercial sex workers and understand the process of commercial sex among women in Mavoko sub-county. The research adopted a qualitative study design. The targeted population was commercial sex workers, working at Mavoko sub-county. Respondents were randomly and purposively sampled where a sample of twenty-five respondents- commercial sex workers, filled the questioners. Interview guides were used to collect data from key informant persons- Clinical Officers operating clinics at Mavoko town. The data collected was grouped into themes based on the objectives of the study. The interpretation was then made by thematic analysis. The findings reveal that poverty 28%, peer pressure 32%, unemployment 16%, lack of parental care 20%, and need for money and divorce are the key factors leading to the occurrence of commercial sex in Mavoko sub-county. The results also indicated that the commercial sex workers; earn good amount of money per night, spend almost all the money they get in the following day, they dress well, most of them use smart-phones 86%, and they live in good houses. The result has indicated that the commercial sex workers are faced with different challenges. The challenges facing commercial sex workers in Mavoko involves; police brutality 20%, bursting of condoms 32%, violent customers 24%, customers removing or refusing to use condoms, fear of HIV and AIDS infections 8% and discrimination from the members of the community 16%. It is also concluded that commercial sex work is not that enjoyable profession; therefore, ladies can leave this profession with the assistance of better jobs.